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FiQueLa (File Query Language, pronounced fi-kju-ela) is a PHP library that brings SQL-style querying to file-based data. Filter, join, group, aggregate, and transform records from XML, CSV, JSON, YAML, NEON, NDJSON, XLS, and ODS files using either a fluent PHP API or an FQL string — all without setting up a database.

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Key features

  • Multiple formats: XML, CSV, JSON, NDJSON, YAML, NEON, XLS, and ODS files in a single unified API.
  • SQL-inspired syntax: SELECT, WHERE, JOIN, GROUP BY, HAVING, ORDER BY, LIMIT, and more.
  • Two query styles: Write queries as FQL strings or chain methods with the fluent PHP API.
  • Powerful expressions: CASE WHEN, IF, nested condition groups, XOR, REGEXP, aggregate functions, and utility functions like ROUND, EXPLODE, MOD.
  • Stream-first processing: Large JSON, XML, and CSV files are processed with low memory overhead wherever possible.
  • DTO mapping: Map result rows directly to typed PHP objects.
  • Debug tooling: Built-in Query\Debugger with explain plans and benchmarking.

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When to use FiQueLa

FiQueLa is a good fit when:
  • You need to extract or analyze data from structured files without importing them into a database.
  • You want to join or aggregate data across multiple files or formats in a single query.
  • You are building lightweight data processing pipelines entirely in PHP.
  • You need to inspect or transform files during development, scripting, or ETL tasks.
FiQueLa is not a replacement for a relational database in high-write or transactional workloads. For read-heavy file analysis, it provides a familiar query interface with minimal setup.

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Get started

Installation

Install FiQueLa via Composer and configure required PHP extensions.

Quickstart

Run your first query against a file in under five minutes.

Fluent API

Chain PHP methods to build expressive, readable queries.

FQL syntax

Write SQL-like strings to query files directly.